The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is laying off 31 employees due to declining enrollment and a reduction in federal funding, according to officials.
Mary Henry, president of CUPE 4222, which represents the affected staff, mentioned that designated early childhood educators (DECE) and those who care for newcomer children (CNC) will be let go at the end of June.
“We are all absolutely devastated because we know the students need those resources, which are our staff members, there to help support, guide them and nurture them into the best students they possibly can,” said Henry.
“When they’re not there, the children are going to suffer in the end. It’s very hurtful for many of the staff as well as the students.”
Henry explained that these teaching partners play a vital role in assisting kindergarten teachers and helping students learn essential skills like writing, recognizing colors, and counting.
A spokesperson for TVDSB stated that these anticipated job cuts stem from lower expected kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year and changes in funding for the federal Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program.
“Like all Ontario school boards, TVDSB follows a regular staff planning process each school year based on projected student enrollment. This planning process is closely guided by provincial regulations as well as collective labour agreements,” the statement said.
“We have carefully reviewed staffing allocations and intentionally organized kindergarten classrooms to minimize any impact on students or staff.”
According to data from CUPE, kindergarten enrollment is expected to drop by 285 students or 2.7 percent. However, cutting 31 DECE positions means an 8.3 percent decrease in permanent DECE staffing overall.
The union warns that these cuts will worsen the student-to-staff ratio at a time when classroom sizes are increasing and student needs are becoming more complex.
CNC workers provide childcare for newcomer children while their parents engage in language training and settlement programs. Funding from the federal government has been reduced due to lower immigration rates.
![]()
Mary Henry, president of CUPE Local 4222, says these job losses will seriously affect student development while putting more pressure on teachers. (Kate Dubinski/CBC)
CUPE 4222 represents around 2,000 education workers at TVDSB, including DECEs, CNCs, custodians, maintenance personnel, IT staff members, media graphics workers, secretaries and drivers.
Henry believes inadequate provincial funding is forcing school boards into difficult choices. She noted that many parents have voiced their disappointment and frustration about this situation.
“With the drastic cuts and lack of resources the government has provided, the students are the ones that are losing in the end because there’s not enough resources – not enough support staff to support their needs,” she said. “There are many students who struggle and need extra hands-on and one-on-one individuals to work with them in order to learn.”
Henry pointed out that under current rules schools can combine senior kindergarten with Grade 1 classes which don’t require early childhood educator positions; this could help save money.
With only two weeks left before summer break starts , Henry hopes that decisions can be reversed before then.
In meantime , she said , the union plans on continuing its advocacy efforts directed towards securing additional education funding from provincial authorities.
Source link
Provincial funding cuts leading to larger classrooms
Source link
